Tag Archives: Education

Engaging Younger Generations in Your Congregation–Who Gets To Vote?

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When I served congregations as an Minister of Religious Education I had regular discussions with Middle School Youth Coming of Age participants about the requirements for membership in Unitarian Universalist Congregations. I always sent pledge materials to our High School students too. These were just two ways I could begin the conversation about what is required of individuals when they join a congregation.

I have to admit I had a motive. I worked with the High School youth group. There was nothing to compel them to be there each week. I wanted them to decide that part of being a congregation member meant that you showed up. I wanted them to decide they had a responsibility to the rest of their community.

We always had lively discussions. One particular group decided that to be a member

  1. You showed up every Sunday.
  2. You brought your children to Sunday School every Sunday.
  3. You pledged 3 – 5% of your gross income.
  4. You contributed to the community by volunteering, inside and outside the walls of the congregation.
  5. Adults attended worship each Sunday as their Religious Education.

The only thing we had to discuss in depth was the pledging. They thought it was unfair to require a contribution since not everyone had money, until we discussed a percentage of income. I could see their minds working on how much of their income they could contribute.

Then one of the youth asked, “Can we join, can we become members?”. The by-laws stated that at age 16 or upon completion of an approved Coming of Age Program, youth could become members. So I told them Yes.

When we had completed the Coming of Age Program, those youth who decided to join the congregation participated in the joining ceremony on a Sunday Morning. The ceremony was the same one we used with all new members. We said our words of covenant together.

In the weeks that followed the ceremony I had two questions from these youth. “When do we get our permanent nametags? “And “When will I receive my pledge form?”

These young people were full and recognized members of this congregation. They knew they had a voice and a responsibility. They had to show up, pledge, volunteer, and continue their faith development. They attended worship services. They would and will go on to be leaders in the congregations in the communities of their future. This congregation opened itself to the youth as full members and in a profound way the youth taught the congregation what it meant to be a member.

I cringe when I see congregations cut youth and young adults from their membership rolls because they cost money. I cringe when I see congregations discourage youth and young adults from joining because they will not be there that long. These young people are both our future and our present. We need their leadership now. To cut youth as members or discourage membership because of money and mobile lives sends them the message that they do not belong. They are unable to play leadership roles in congregations because they are not members. They cannot be leaders in the larger denomination if they are not congregational members. I would venture a guess that the youth and young adults that choose membership in congregations grew up in congregations and know how to be leaders. They have been taught how to worship, plan an event, conduct a meeting, the joy of conflict, to articulate their ideals and most important, how to be a Unitarian Universalist living their faith in the world. Why will they join later on in life when we do not let them fully participate now?

Teaching individuals how to be members of our congregations is one of the most important things we do. We tell them what is required. We teach them how to participate in our communities and we train them to be leaders. Our faith desperately needs our youth and young adults. They know how to be members of our congregations and we can let them lead us.

To learn more about Unitarian Universalist Ministry with Youth and Young Adults: http://www.uua.org/re/youth/index.shtml

For more information about the UUA’s Annual Program Fund: www.uua.org/giving/apf

New Economy and New Vision for Religious Life

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Over the past year three-quarters of adults in America report being personally affected by the economic recession.  Nearly thirty percent of them in significant ways, such as living beyond their financial means, dealing with higher levels of debt, and spending down their savings.   Those ages 27 to 45, households with income of $40,000 or less, families with young children, and the “unchurched” are among those reporting the greatest impact.

Along with the impact on personal finance, giving to religion took a dip, particularly among women, Baby-Boomers (ages 45-65), low-income households, families with young children, and some minority groups.

In a new book entitled Futurecast, researcher George Barna reports how “The American Dream” is being re-imagined as more and more people adjust to their new circumstances.  Current trends offer myriad opportunities for pastoral care and ministry–the needs are staggering and urgent.

For example, trend research indicates that core values and religious affiliation are changing, with the largest faith group in America identified as “Skeptics,” largely a blend of atheists and agnostics.  Interest in spiritual life is high, but there is less enthusiasm for conventional congregational settings.

  • Healthy interpersonal relationships–family ministry, life issues & skills programs
  • Opportunities for personal growth and spiritual deepening
  • Personal financial planning classes & Stewardship Education programs
  • Ways of tapping the power and connectivity of music and social media
  • Community-building

These are clear indicators that now is the time when congregations must find creative ways to boost funding instead of succumbing to the impulse to slash budgets.

Congregation Leaders…now is the time to breathe life into your mission and vision for your congregation’s brightest future!   Instead of engaging in agonizing discussions about your financial woes, use your precious board and staff meeting time to make your case for your congregants’ generous financial support, brainstorm creative solutions, educate yourselves about effective stewardship practices, and enthusiastically report the ways your congregation is making a difference and changing lives.

The Barna Group conducts and reports research on current and future trends in congregational life.  For research on the effects of the economic recession on giving and budgeting in congregations:  http://www.barna.org/donorscause-articles/486-donors-proceed-with-caution-tithing-declines

Unitarian Universalist Association President, The Reverend Peter Morales shares his thought-provoking sermon Beyond Belief with the UU Church of Arlington, Virginia;http://www.uucava.org/page/beyond-belief-by-uua-president-rev-peter-morales-feb-12-2012

For an amazing array of faith development and community-building programs for all ages:  http://www.uua.org/re/tapestry/index.shtml

Ministering to families and all ages: http://www.uua.org/re/multigenerational/index.shtml    http://www.uua.org/re/adults/46930.shtml

Our Whole Lives-comprehensive sexuality education program for all ages:  http://www.uua.org/re/owl/index.shtml

Resources for Nurturing Generosity and Stewardship Education for individuals and congregations:

http://www.uua.org/finance/fundraising/generosity/index.shtml  http://www.uua.org/documents/stew-dev/study_guide_giving.pdf

Hospitality and Stewardship: Partners in Congregation Growth and Prosperity

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Hospitable congregations allow people to offer themselves in worship by recognizing and receiving the gifts that people bring. In the case of one congregation, this meant making the ‘tithes and offerings’ element of the service itself a dramatic and powerful event…However, hospitable congregations do not restrict the receiving of gifts to the offering plates. The talents and abilities of the congregation are employed throughout the worship…At every point in the service the leadership of worship is shared. People in the pews; sing and pray and read and testify and bless. The energy of worship is not concentrated in the chancel but fills the whole sanctuary.  

                                                                                             ~Thomas G. Long                                       

I have often hear congregation leaders say that if they could attract new members and grow numerically, their budget problems would be eased.  With a larger number of members, the congregation could more easily afford to add staff, increase the size of the facilities, and offer more programs.  While this may be true in some cases, it is important to emphasize the importance of practicing hospitality and effective stewardship in our congregations, at all times, in order to achieve and sustain membership growth.

Sustained health, growth and prosperity is experienced in congregations when hospitality and stewardship are practiced in conjunction with high quality worship and religious education for all ages.  Alongside of these runs an intentional membership development process that begins at the first point of contact with the congregation, whether that occurs virtually through the website, by personal invitation, or in crossing the threshold of the sanctuary to experience meaningful worship and fellowship.  All of this takes a cadre of well-trained lay and professional leaders with a commitment to lead and equip the congregation in the vital practices of hospitality and stewardship.

How do hospitality and stewardship look and feel when woven together?

~The congregation’s website (and bulletin boards) are visually appealing and engaging, with up-to-date content that reflects its mission, values, ministries, programs, and priorities.

~The congregation building and grounds are well-tended and points of entry .

~All points of entry are visible, attractive and welcoming, with clearly worded signage to help newcomers navigate the facility.

~There are warm and friendly people at the entrances to greet and help newcomers feel welcomed and comfortable.

~The nursery and children’s spaces are staffed with experienced care providers, clean, safe, and well equipped.

~The worship service, religious education program, and fellowship hour refreshments are carefully planned, organized, and led in ways that demonstrate good management and use of resources.

~There are opportunities for meeting people and engaging in the activities of the community.

~The giving of money, time, and energy in support of the congregation is evident and reflects a culture of generosity, commitment, and gratitude.

~Celebration happens regularly because there is joy and genuine affection felt in the community!

For more resources for congregational membership growth, hospitality, and stewardship:

http://uua.org/growth/newcomers/index.shtml

http://uua.org/growth/newcomers/182775.shtml

http://uua.org/growth/newcomers/20014.shtml

http://uua.org/documents/congservices/midcongs/growthresources.pdf

http://www.alban.org/conversation.aspx?id=2886

Resources for nurturing Generosity in your congregation: http://uua.org/finance/fundraising/generosity/index.shtml

Thomas G. Long’s Alban Institute e-newsletter article entitled “Hospitality to the Stranger”:  www.alban.org/conversation.aspx?id=4576